Europe. The land of cobblestone streets, historic architecture, Instagram-worthy cities, and… visa confusion.
Let’s be honest—navigating European travel can feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle while blindfolded. Especially when it comes to understanding which countries are in the Schengen Zone and which are not. The Schengen Area allows for borderless travel between its member countries. But what about those nations sitting in Europe that aren’t part of this borderless club?
Let’s dive into the list of non-Schengen countries in Europe as of 2025, and why it matters for travelers, expats, and anyone with a backpack, suitcase, or one-way ticket in hand.
Wait, What Exactly Is the Schengen Area?
First off, some quick context. The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, creating an area of 27 European countries (as of 2025) where you can move freely across borders without passport checks. It’s basically the European Union’s cool little brother who lets everyone crash on his couch.
But—and this is a big “but”—not all EU countries are in the Schengen Zone. And not all non-EU countries are outside it either. Confused yet? You’re not alone.
Non-Schengen Countries in Europe (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the European countries that are not part of the Schengen Area as of 2025. We’ve grouped them for easier understanding:
The Full List of Non-Schengen European Countries in 2025
Here’s a complete, updated list of countries in Europe that are not part of the Schengen Zone as of 2025. Some are working toward joining, others prefer staying out.
1. Ireland
- EU Member? Yes
- Schengen Member? No
Ireland chose to maintain its Common Travel Area (CTA) with the United Kingdom, opting out of the Schengen Agreement. So, while it’s part of the EU, it has its own visa and border policies and comes under non-schengen countries.
2. United Kingdom
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Post-Brexit, the UK stands entirely outside the EU and Schengen. Travelers need to adhere to the UK’s specific visa requirements.
3. Cyprus
- EU Member? Yes
- Schengen Member? Not yet
Cyprus is working towards joining the Schengen Area. As of early 2025, the country is technically ready and has addressed political concerns related to its division. Full membership is anticipated by the end of 2025.
4. Albania
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Albania is an EU candidate country and aspires to join the Schengen Area. Currently, it maintains its own visa policies.
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
This Balkan nation is on the path to EU membership but remains outside the Schengen Zone for now.
6. North Macedonia
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Another EU candidate country, North Macedonia is not yet part of the Schengen Area.
7. Montenegro
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Montenegro is progressing towards EU accession but currently operates outside the Schengen framework.
8. Serbia
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Serbia is an EU candidate country and maintains its own visa and border controls.
9. Kosovo
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Kosovo is recognized by many EU countries and has been granted visa-free travel to the EU since January 2024. However, it is not part of the Schengen Area.
10. Moldova
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Moldova has an Association Agreement with the EU and offers visa-free travel for certain nationalities but is not in the Schengen Zone.
11. Ukraine
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Ukraine has a visa-free regime with the EU for short stays but is not part of Schengen.
12. Belarus
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Belarus maintains its own visa policies and is not part of the Schengen Area.
13. Russia (European part)
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
The European part of Russia is not in the Schengen Zone, and travelers must adhere to Russia’s visa requirements.
14. Turkey (European part)
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
While Turkey spans both Europe and Asia, its European portion is not part of Schengen, and separate visa rules apply.
15. Armenia
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Located in the South Caucasus, Armenia is often associated with Europe geopolitically but remains outside the Schengen Area.
16. Azerbaijan
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Similar to Armenia, Azerbaijan is in the South Caucasus and is not part of Schengen.
17. Georgia
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No
Georgia has a visa-free regime with the EU for short stays but is not a Schengen member.
18. Andorra
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No*
Andorra is not a Schengen member but has open borders with France and Spain. Travelers typically enter via Schengen countries.
19. Monaco
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No*
Monaco is not officially in Schengen but has open borders with France and adheres to Schengen visa policies.
20. San Marino
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No*
San Marino is surrounded by Italy and, while not a Schengen member, has open borders and follows Schengen visa rules.
21. Vatican City
- EU Member? No
- Schengen Member? No*
The Vatican is not part of Schengen but has open borders with Italy and follows similar entry protocols.
*While these microstates are not official Schengen members, they have open borders with neighboring Schengen countries and generally follow Schengen visa policies.
Microstates vs. Full Countries
Countries like Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, and Vatican City operate differently. They’re not Schengen members on paper, but they’ve got open borders with Schengen countries. So if you’re in France or Italy, you can walk into these places without passport checks.
However, they still aren’t part of Schengen legally, so they make the list.
Wait, Are Any New Countries Joining Schengen Soon?
Yes, there’s a good bit of movement behind the scenes.
- Cyprus is the most notable one right now. As mentioned earlier, it’s technically ready to join and could very well be the next Schengen member.
- Romania and Bulgaria have joined Schengen as of Jan 2025.
So keep an eye out—Schengen is always evolving.
Why Some Countries Aren’t in Schengen Yet
- Politics: Think of the UK and Ireland, who chose to stay out.
- Conflicts: Like Cyprus and Ukraine.
- Bureaucracy: Some countries just haven’t finished the paperwork (Montenegro, North Macedonia).
- Strategy: Others might prefer controlling their own borders.
Conclusion
And hey, if you’re wondering about visas, immigration updates, or how to find the best local food spots while exploring Europe — we’ve got your back.
So there you have it — a full, no-fluff guide to Europe’s non-Schengen countries in 2025. Whether you’re traveling across the Balkans, hopping microstates, or planning around visa requirements, this list should keep your itinerary (and passport) in check.
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